Originally published in March 2020. Looking back, this post about how to stop getting sick is very personal and still continues to hold true.
I had been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition way back in 2016 and post a treatment course, things seemed better. However, we failed to realize the severity of the disease and how it can affect other body organs. The condition aggravated sometime in 2022 and I am still trying to stabilize my body with the aftermath.
For someone who used to hardly get sick for a day in the entire year to suffering an autoimmune disease, I can relate to a deteriorated health and body. It is difficult for others to understand what happens in such chronic conditions, however mild or severe. If you do not take care of yourself, you can end up with a severe form of the disease.
In most cases, it is not possible to cure the condition. You can only manage the symptoms for as long as possible. It is helpful to remember that just like other illnesses, there is a chance of relapse of the autoimmune diseases. Therefore, it becomes much more important to start building a healthy routine and body as soon as possible.
Not only does this impact your lifestyle but also your mental health. I reached a stage where I did not have the energy to get up and brush my teeth. In fact, the conditions can weaken us enough that we keep getting sick all the time. In my case, I am highly prone to cold and cough and flu which would not go away for weeks together.
How to Stop Getting Sick all the time?
Protect Your Body
With a weakened immune system, you are more prone to infections and other associated ailments. I will easily catch flu and cough or cold. My lower body muscles had stiffened to the point where sitting on the floor became impossible for me.
Body needs a lot of rest, much more than usual, after undergoing a serious ailment. Understand the threshold and respect it. This is a temporary phase and it will recover, do not worry. In the meantime, eat healthy and protect your body from all factors which may make you fall sick.
Nutritious Food at Regular Intervals is a Must
This goes without saying. Food is the most important factor to recovering well. The catch is if you are on heavy medications, they can cause a loss of appetite or gastro-intestinal issues making the very act of eating food not very savory.
Instead of thinking about how you are feeling, check out for the best alternates. If you do not want to eat meals, substitute with fruits and fruit or vegetable juices or soups. Find out what works best for you and try to keep it balanced.
Regular Exercise is Important
While I do suggest not to push your body beyond its ability, keeping it working is the priority. Indulging in regular mild exercise is important. In the earlier stages of your ailment, picking up a glass is a chore.
However, as you continue with your medications and start feeling better, keep doing mild exercises or yoga. Along with that, take a healthy dose of sunshine and fresh air. Take short walks or go to a park early in the mornings. It will refresh both your body and mind.
Do Not Lose Hope
Not being able to do what you could can be very upsetting. Any kind of chronic or long term diseases affect the quality of your life and thereby affect your mentally. It is important to indulge in regular routine things you used to do previously and not shut yourself in. Being outside in nature is therapeutic in such circumstances. And, seek help from family, friends and others during this difficult time.
A serious illness is akin to a milestone in a person’s life. It can either make you or break you. While relapse or the consequences are not exactly in our control, we can always decide how we would like to tackle the illness. Let us not forget that our health conditions affect our families as well, so it is our responsibility to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally and financially.
Till then, Swathy.
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